Charleston Wedding at the William Aiken House | Southern Gothic Elegance

Written By Sarah Boller

Most of my couples find me on their own but this wedding began with a planner.

Instead of an inquiry from the couple, I received a message from Heather of Carolina Occasions.

Her note said:
“I have a client looking for a very specific photography style, so I’m deep-diving the internet to find the perfect fit. I think they would love your style.”

That introduction led me to Abby and James—and ultimately to photographing their destination wedding weekend in Charleston.

From the beginning, it was clear their wedding was about mood, architecture, heritage, and creating an experience that felt immersive and memorable.

Couple on their wedding day in a red room. Bride is sitting on a red couch looking at camera. Groom is leaning against the armrest looking out the window
black and white shot of wedding couple in front a large paint with a chandelier in the foreground. Bride is sitting up on a table as she looks at her groom
Groom with his back to the camera and his bride is walking up behind him. Shot outside, couple in front of a tree
Bride and groom in front of a tree having their first look. Groom is emotion as he takes in his bride
Groom and some groomsmen chilling in leather chairs before the ceremony
photo of a bride standing in a red room. You can see the bride and her reflection in the mirror
bride standing in front of window. Room is dark as the bride is highlighted by the sun. Bride has her veil over her head
bride standing in front of a window of a red room. She has her veil over her face

A Destination Wedding Weekend in Charleston

Because Abby and James were planning a destination wedding, they wanted to maximize time with their friends and family. Rather than spacing events far apart, they crafted a weekend that felt social, celebratory, and deeply connected.

I was with them for the entire weekend—starting with their rehearsal dinner at Hank’s Social Hall. After dinner, everyone walked together just around the block to Jasmine House for a relaxed welcome party.

The walk between locations set the tone for the weekend—unhurried, communal, and full of laughter. It felt less like a formal itinerary and more like being welcomed into a beautiful Southern gathering.

Wedding guest standing in a courtyard at night under bistro lights for a wedding Welcome party.
bride and groom sitting at a table raising a glass
Bride walking down the street at night holding her dad had and laughing with her fiancé

The William Aiken House: Southern Gothic Elegance

For the wedding day, Abby and James chose the iconic William Aiken House—a venue that embodies the Southern Gothic architecture Charleston is known for.

Their vision leaned intentionally into that history.

They wanted the day to feel:

  • Moody yet unmistakably Southern

  • Elegant and classic, but never stuffy

  • Fun, memorable, and deeply atmospheric

We stayed away from anything overly trendy or overly traditional, allowing the architecture, textures, and natural light of the space to lead.

The William Aiken House provided the perfect backdrop—ornate details, historic interiors, and a sense of timelessness that grounded the entire celebration.

Wide shot of Wedding ceremony space from above.
Shot of Wedding veil hanging from Chandelier and wedding dress laying across a leather chair.
Wedding heels hanging on candelabra on a turquoise wall
Photo of a greenish lounge set on a lawn, in front of a Yellow house
A wide shot of a wedding ceremony in progress. Ceremony is set against a wall of greenery with trees. There is a large white Arbor covered in flowers. You can see the backs of guests and the couple with their wedding party standing at the arbor.
Groom in white tuxedo jacket wiping away a tear with the minister smiles beside him
Black and white photo of Bride and her father walking up he aisle. You can see guest smiling while standing at their seats.
Bride and Groom in a white tuxedo jacket walking back down the aisle after their ceremony. Both are smile as Bride hugs grooms arm
Bride and Groom standing in front of a while arbor covered in flowers with their wedding party. Bride and groom are looking at each other as they walk toward the camera. Wedding party is smiling and walking behind couple
Bride facing camera smiling at groom while hugging his arm. Groom is sideway to the camera wearing a white tuxedo jacket looking down and smiling
White and black photo of bride and groom from the neck down. Groom body is face camera as he holds the Brides bouquet by his leg. Bride's body is turned sideways to the camera as she hugs grooms arm

An Italian-Inspired Courtyard Reception Under the Lights

The reception dinner took place in the courtyard, where long & round tables were set beneath softly glowing bistro lights, instantly transforming the space.

As night fell, the warm yellow glow of the historic house created the most romantic backdrop—making the evening feel less like a formal reception and more like a dinner party in the Italian countryside. The combination of stone, light, and open air gave the space an intimate, old-world charm that felt both elevated and effortless.

Guests lingered over dinner, conversation flowing easily as the courtyard filled with laughter and candlelight. It was one of those settings where time seemed to slow, allowing the celebration to unfold naturally.

Wide photo of Wedding reception Dinner in a courtyard at night. Gust are sitting at long and round table under bistro lights. The yellow creates an orange glow as the light bounce off of it
Photo of bride and groom in the midst of their guest at the reception. Everyone is clapping while sitting.
Black and white photo of guest laughing around a round table at night under bistro lights
Photo of birde and groom sitting in front of their table smiling. The backdrop is the wall of a yellow house and their are bistro lights overhead.
Guests sitting at a long table watching as wedding speeches take place. The table is lined with candles and wine glasses.
Black and white photo of guest at a long table raising glasses to toast at a wedding reception
Photo of bride and groom toasting champagne glasses with their guest all behind them. Their wedding cake is in front of them and you can see a chandelier hanging from the ceiling
Black and white photo of bride and groom laughing as they cut their wedding cake.
All white wedding cake in focus next to an open bottle of champagne. You can see the bride and groom in the background talking with guest
Wedding guest grabbing sweet treats off a round table under a chandelier
close up photo of wedding guest grabbing a dessert of a white tray.

Thoughtful Design Rooted in Heritage

Both Abby and James have Scottish backgrounds, and that heritage was woven into the floral design through the use of Scottish thistle—a meaningful and symbolic choice that appeared throughout the day.

It added texture, depth, and personal significance to the arrangements while seamlessly fitting the moody, old-world aesthetic they envisioned.

Every detail felt intentional, layered, and reflective of who they are.

Wide shot of wedding reception set up. The backdrop is a yellow Estate. Bistro lights hang over the tables. The tables are covered by blue floral patterned table clothes with florals and candles covering the table
close up shot of wedding table number surrounded my florals. A cocktail is sitting on the table in front
Medium shot of round table at wedding reception. Table is covered in a blue floral patterned table clothe with florals and candles.
Close up shot of server holding a wooded tray of cocktails
all white wedding cake sitting on round table. Chandelier is hanging from the ceiling and a stone statue is seen in the background

An Evening That Ended Under the Charleston Sky

As the night unfolded, the celebration moved to the lawn.

Guests gathered on the lawn, cigars in hand, sharing stories and laughter beneath the Charleston sky. It was relaxed, intimate, and full of presence—the kind of ending that invites conversation rather than rushing to the next moment.

The night concluded with a sparkler exit, a glowing send-off that felt celebratory without being overdone.

Wedding guest hanging around on the lawn at night smoking with the two story yellow house in the background
close up shot of wooden table covered in cigar wrappers, box of mostly empty cigar box, and drinks.
bride and groom smoking cigars while facing the camera.
Black and white photo of bride and groom running through the sparkler exit.

Why the William Aiken House Is Perfect for Experience-Driven Couples

The William Aiken House is ideal for couples who:

  • Love historic architecture and layered spaces

  • Want a wedding that feels atmospheric and timeless

  • Value experience, mood, and intentional design

  • Are drawn to Southern elegance with a slightly moody edge

It’s a venue that allows couples to step into another time while still hosting a celebration that feels warm, personal, and alive.

close up of black and white photo of bride and groom kissing. Photo is focus on groom hand with wedding ring holding the brides face.
close up of Bride and groom facing each other holding hand at their ceremony. You can see the flowers covering the white arbor at the top of the photo.
photo of older girl walking away from the camera and holding the hand of the small flower girl. Flower girl has a big bow on the back of her dress.
Bride and groom standing in front of yellow walls. Groom is kissing brides cheek and holding her bouquet. Bride is smiling with her eye closed and hugging the grooms arm
Black and white photo of Bride and groom kissing. Photo is shot through a door way with brides back to the camera.

Planning a Charleston Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding in Charleston that feels immersive, elevated, and rooted in story—especially one that leans into architecture, heritage, and meaningful moments—I’d love to hear about your plans.

→ Inquire here

Vendors:

Coordinator/Planners: Carolina Occasions

Videography: Jodi Lee Films

Makeup: Lashes and Lace CHS

Florals: Wisteria Designs

Cake: ABCD Cakes

Catering: PPHG Events

Dress: Pnina Tornai Kleinfeld

Sarah Boller
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